Weirdos IV: The Emerald Heart

Chapter 27: Change of Plan

Their community hosted a feast for Serafina that same evening. Despite the young lady's reluctance, the elders were able to convince her to stay for a while. Still, she said that she have to leave as soon as possible. Upon hearing this, Jaeron immediately went back to his house and packed his very few belongings.

He's going to join Serafina.

Jaeron felt that he's seeing his life in a new perspective after hearing the lady's speech. It was hard to understand how she does it, but her gestures and words seemed to have addressed his heart directly. While the people around him were already planning on how to get back at their oppressors, Jaeron had already come to the conclusion that she's going to offer his service and loyalty to this lady for the rest of his life.

Jaeron waited in the path leading to their village. He didn't even say goodbye to his guardians. He was accepted in their place, but Jaeron knows that he'd already lost his home a long time ago. Besides, there isn't really anything in this place that might hold him back.

He didn't even have to wait that long on his waiting spot. Only about an hour later after positioning himself up a tree, the young lady in black passed by his spot. Jaeron jumped from the tree before following the lady. However, he hasn't even taken a couple of steps when black liquid suddenly rose from the ground around him and formed into spikes that hovered dangerously around his neck.

"What do you want?" Serafina asked as she looked back, her gleaming purple eyes piercing right through him.

"I'm Jaeron Equerza," he said, raising his hands right away. "I'm from the village—"

"I said, what do you want?" the lady asked again, more slowly this time. The black spikes also moved in unison closer to his neck.

"I want to go with you."

Serafina stared at him for several seconds. After what it seemed an eternity, the black liquid spikes threatening Jaeron's neck dissolved into black smoke. The young lady in black adjusted the cloak on her shoulders before walking again.

"I don't need your help. As you can see, I am very much capable of looking after myself. Go back to your home. I don't want to be accused of kidnapping," she said.

"I no longer have parents. I lost them when a non-magical group attacked our village several years ago," Jaeron replied.

Serafina stopped walking. "Is that the reason why you want to come with me?"

"Yes. . . but it's also because I was deeply moved by your speech earlier. All my life, I've done nothing but follow the orders of everyone around me. I've never complained. Also, I've been living here for several years now, and I have to admit that I am afraid to leave. You are the exact opposite of me. You braved the unknown to inspire weirdos all over the country. Even though we're of the same age, I can feel the huge difference between the two of us. You're already making things happen at such a young age; while I don't even have the guts to start a new life after the tragedy that I'd experienced."

"Then go get some guts before joining me," the lady in black replied coldly.

Despite her stone-cold sourness, Jaeron couldn't help but smile. "I think you'd be able to help me find those guts, so let me come with you."

"Why should I let you come with me?" Serafina asked him.

"I'm a Temporal Weirdo!" Jaeron replied right away. "I'm still trying to perfect it but once I'm able to open portals, I'll be able to help you go from one place to another. I can carry your things and defend you. It's dangerous to be wandering all by yourself. I also know a few magic. I'm sure I can help you in one way or another."